It's hard to eclipse a game in which two touchdowns were called back by officials in the final 30 seconds, allowing the Pittsburgh Steelers to hold on for a 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a Week 16 game with significant playoff implications.
Offensive interference penalties negated both of the Lions' scores, including one of the wildest plays ever seen as time expired. What could the headline steal from this?
How about Steelers star wide receiver DK Metcalf reaching the stands and swinging at a fan with seemingly more force than the contact from Lions receivers that triggered offensive interference calls?
Several videos A captivated Metcalf approached a blue-wigged fan in the front row of seats behind the Steelers' bench at Ford Field. The fan leaned over the railing to say something, and Metcalfe reached out and grabbed his shirt or wig with his right hand before turning and walking away.
What prompted Metcalf, one of the NFL's top wide receivers in each of his seven seasons, to lose his temper and allegedly contact a fan in a manner strictly prohibited by the league?
Well, a fan who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Michigan, Detroit Free Presssaid he called Metcalf by his full name — DeKaelin Zacharius Metcalf — and that apparently struck a chord with him.
“He doesn't like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and tore my shirt,” Kennedy said. “I'm a little shocked. It's like everyone's talking to me. I'm a little scared, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Kennedy did not get his wish due to the fact that the Lions receivers themselves became too assertive, albeit on the playing field.
The play, which will be replayed countless times, came after the lapse of time. Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown was stopped after catching a pass at the one-yard line, but before the whistle, St. Brown sneaked the ball back to quarterback Jared Goff, who flew into the end zone for what appeared to be a miraculous game-winning touchdown.
However, St. Brown pushed Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey before breaking free and making the catch, and a flag was thrown before Goff crossed the goal line. After a lengthy discussion, the officials announced that St. Brown had interfered with an offensive pass and that the game was over.
The applicable NFL rule is: “If the foul occurs as a result of a foul, the period will not be extended. If the foul occurs on the last play of the inning, the foul score will not count.”
Less than 30 seconds earlier, Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa made an illegal pick that allowed St. Brown — a former USC and Mater Dei High star — to break free in the end zone for a nine-yard score.
The Steelers' sideline erupted with joy after the second buzzer resulted in a victory that put them in control of their destiny in the tournament. AFK North title. They need one win or loss against the Baltimore Ravens in the final two weeks of the regular season to clinch the win and secure a home playoff game.
Meanwhile, the loss dropped the Lions' playoff chances to 6%.
DeKaylin Zacharius MetcalfIt can be assumed that he has an almost 100% chance of being fined and suspended by the NFL for attempting to attack Kennedy.
